Smart watches have become more accessible in recent years, offering features that support health, safety, and communication. For NDIS participants, a specialised smart watch can enhance independence by providing emergency call functions and automatic fall detection. However, as of October 2024, changes to NDIS funding mean that many consumer smart watches, including the Apple Watch, are no longer eligible unless an exception applies [ 1 ].
Since then, we've received many inquiries from occupational therapists, support coordinators, and participants seeking clarity on NDIS-approved smart watches. In this guide, we’ll break down how NDIS smart watch funding works, explain when an Apple Watch may still be funded, and highlight NDIS-approved alternatives that meet the eligibility criteria.
Apple Watch Overview
The Apple Watch is a popular consumer smart watch, designed for a wide range of everyday activities. It offers fitness tracking, messaging, internet access, and entertainment apps, making it a versatile device for general use [ 2 ]. With features like heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and emergency SOS, it provides some health and safety benefits, but its primary function is as a multi-purpose lifestyle gadget rather than a dedicated assistive technology device.
Introducing the Umps Watch: An NDIS-Approved alternative
In contrast, the Umps Watch has been designed as a dedicated assistive technology device. Like the Apple Watch, it features fall detection and an emergency duress function. However, the Umps Watch also has a range of features specifically designed to support people with a disability, making it a more comprehensive support offering for people needing personal safety support.
24/7 Professional Response
When an alert is activated on the Umps Watch, the wearer is connected directly to a 24/7 professional response centre. Our operators will speak to the user through the watch, and provide any support required. Importantly, each Umps Watch is connected to a user’s specific profile, so our operators have information about the users disability and any relevant health conditions. This means they can effectively coordinate a response.
Designed for Falls & Emergency Detection
The Umps Watch includes automatic fall detection, with a range of sensors. Falls detection sensitivity is configurable so active users can reduce false alarms. In addition to this, the Umps Watch has a one-touch SOS activation, making it easier for users to call for help in any situation.
Longer Battery Life for Reliability
With an extended battery life of up to three days per charge, the Umps Watch requires less frequent charging than many other devices. This ensures consistent protection without the hassle of daily recharging.
Easy Setup & Use
Unlike complex smart watches, the Umps Watch arrives completely set up and ready to use. It is designed specifically for people with disabilities, with an accessible alert button on the face of the watch.
Can You Get an Apple Watch Under the NDIS?
As of October 2024, Apple Watches are generally ineligible for NDIS funding. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has clarified that devices like the Apple Watch are considered day-to-day living costs and not specific disability supports. In some specific circumstances, the NDIS can fund supports that are not NDIS supports. However, strong evidence is required and participants should work with their occupational therapist to justify the need [ 3 ].
Umps Watch vs Apple Watch: A detailed comparison
The below table provides a detailed overview of the differences between the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular) and the Umps Watch.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 46-mm) | Umps Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 46 mm x 39 mm x 9.7 mm | 47mm x 42mm x 16mm |
| Weight | 35.3 grams | 38 grams |
| Cellular Coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $859 | $495 |
| Eligible NDIS Support | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | 3 days under normal use |
| Works independent of phone | No - Requires iPhone to setup | Yes |
| 24x7 Professional Response | No | Yes |
| Falls Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Gaming | Yes | No - built specifically for disability support |
| Internet Browsing | Yes | No - built specifically for disability support |
| Phone Calls | Yes | Yes - Alarm activation calls only |
What Makes a Smart Watch NDIS-Approved?
To qualify for NDIS funding, a smart watch must be classified as Assistive Technology (AT) and provide a direct disability-related benefit. The device must:
- Support safety and independence: Features like fall detection and emergency response help reduce risks.
- Address a specific disability need: The smart watch should improve accessibility, communication, or promote safety and independence.
- Exclude non-essential features: Smart watches with gaming, internet browsing, and entertainment apps may not qualify.
Because the Apple Watch includes entertainment-focused features, it is not classified as an NDIS support. Instead, participants should consider specialist smart watches like the Umps Watch, which is designed for emergency response and falls detection.
How to Get an NDIS-Approved Smart watch
The Umps Watch is low-cost assistive technology (AT), and can be funded through the NDIS Core Supports – Consumables budget. This means participants can purchase it without an AT assessment. Your Umps Watch will typically arrive within 1 - 3 days of your purchase, and is completely set up, pre-programmed and ready to use out of the box. Unlike the Apple Watch, which does not meet NDIS funding criteria, the Umps Watch is designed specifically for emergency response and falls detection, making it a compliant choice for participants requiring safety monitoring. OTs and support coordinators can assist in ensuring the correct funding pathway is used and provide additional justification if needed [ 4 ].
Get a quote
If required, Umps can provide a quote or invoice for plan-managed participants, ensuring an easy claiming process. For self-managed participants, the purchase can be made upfront and reimbursed through the NDIS portal. This makes the Umps Watch an accessible and hassle-free solution for those needing emergency response and falls detection technology. To organise a quote, contact Umps.
A home based complement: the Umps Home Alarm
The Umps Home Alarm is a valuable addition to the Umps Watch, providing an extra layer of safety for NDIS participants. This system includes easy-to-install emergency buttons that can be placed in high-risk areas such as the bathroom, shower, bedside, or at the bottom of stairs. Unlike wearable devices, these buttons don’t require charging and ensure that help is always accessible—even if the user isn’t wearing their watch.
When activated, the Umps Home Alarm connects to the same 24/7 emergency response centre as the Umps Watch, offering a seamless safety solution for both inside and outside the home. Importantly, NDIS participants can purchase both the Umps Home Alarm and the Umps Watch using the Core Supports - Consumables budget.
Final Verdict: Which Smart watch is Best for NDIS Participants?
While the Apple Watch is a powerful consumer smart watch, it does not meet NDIS funding criteria due to its general-purpose features. In contrast, the Umps Watch is specifically designed as assistive technology, making it a better option for NDIS participants. With fall detection, 24/7 emergency response, and long battery life, the Umps Watch provides safety and independence without unnecessary entertainment features. Plus, because it qualifies as low-cost AT under $1,500, it can be purchased directly through a participant’s NDIS Consumables budget without an AT assessment. For those seeking an NDIS-approved smart watch, the Umps Watch is the most accessible and compliant option.